SEPTA and Philadelphia Fire Department Observe Fire Prevention Week
October 8, 2019
For the 20th consecutive year, SEPTA and the Philadelphia Fire Department are observing Fire Prevention Week by placing car cards in 2,000 SEPTA vehicles. The cards were unveiled by SEPTA Assistant General Manager of System Safety Jim Fox and Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel on Tuesday, October 8, 2019.
The cards, shown below, feature SEPTA mascot Paws and Fire Department mascot Gentry and highlight fire safety tips. Look for Fire Prevention messages displayed on SEPTA bus digital displays throughout the week.
Since 1922, the NFPA has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.
Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.
This year’s FPW campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
Did you know? In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out.
Plan ahead for your escape. Make your home escape plan and practice today.
